Aggressive play from Climer results in double-double and key plays in victory over Palmyra

QUINCY — Jadyn Climer barely had to pause when asked about her style of play.

“Aggression is my thing,” she said.

The 6-foot-1 West Hancock junior backed up those words — rather emphatically — Saturday night during the Titans’ 53-46 girls basketball victory at John Wood Community College. 

Climer scored 18 points and secured 17 rebounds to trigger West Hancock’s win during the final round of games that capped the week-long 17th Rumble on the River competition on Mountain Dew Court inside the JWCC Student Activity Center.

“Kudos to (Climer), she played a great game,” Palmyra coach Kelsey Stuart said. “It was difficult for us to stop her.”

Climer did most of her damage in the second half, scoring 13 of her points and reeling in 12 of her rebounds. Fittingly, it was Climer who sank a field goal and ensuing free throw for what amounted to a game-clinching three-point play, giving West Hancock a 50-43 lead with 1 minute, 52 seconds to play.

“We follow her,” West Hancock coach Jerry Jerome said of Climer.

Jerome felt Saturday was one of Climer’s two best overall games of the year. Climer had a 19-point, 19-rebound game earlier this month in a 52-13 win over Lewistown.

“Jadyn just goes out and grabs the ball,” Jerome said.

Jerome said the Titans have been — and will likely continue — using Climer on the point as well as along the baseline. The left-hander’s ability to handle the ball and see the court is rapidly adding another dimension to what she can offer.

Climer was both the steadiest and most dominant player on the court, especially over the final two periods after a 20-20 halftime draw.

“We were prepared,” Climer acknowledged the victory that raised West Hancock’s record to 8-4 and dropped Palmyra to 5-4. 

Climer’s inside strength was also a key element in what emerged as a physical game.

“It was an absolute bloodbath,” Jerome said. “Those two teams played as hard as they could to get a W. We were just able to make some key stops.”

Palmyra guard Clare Williams (25) and forward Sydney Compton (10) combined for 35 of the Panthers’ points. Before Williams fouled out with a little more than a minute to play, she had scored at least five points in every quarter. Compton struggled to find her shot much of the game, but offset the offensive frustration with an 11-rebound performance. Williams added seven boards for Palmyra.

Anna James (10) also reached double figures in scoring for Palmyra.

Lucy Woodworth (11) and Dettriona Church (10) combined for 21 additional West Hancock points. All 10 of Church’s points came over the closing two quarters.

Stuart says there are a number of areas Palmyra will be working on over the holidays.

“I think we’ll be anxious to get back in the gym,” she said. “We didn’t do enough to battle back (against West Hancock), and I’m not sure if we wanted to.”